![]() ![]() “Stomp” was performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1999. “Stomp” closed recently In London, “Stomp” opened at the Orpheum, New York City, in 1994. The two had been members of the theatrical band Pookiesnackenburger, where McNicholas played violin and Cresswell played percussion. “Stomp” opened at London’s Bloomsbury Theatre in 1991, created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. A third is in residence at the 300 seat Off-Broadway Orpheum Theatre in New York City. ![]() Another is on a European, and eventually world, tour. There are three troupes that perform “Stomp.” The American tour is the one visiting Easton. There are difficult routines, including one with shopping carts and another where Cruz has to walk across huge oil barrels wearing ski boots. There can be mistakes and even injuries onstage. It takes about a year to settle in,” says Cruz. At the time of the 25th anniversary in New York City, 150 or so performers had rotated in and out. He bothers everyone, and that comes back to him at the end of the show.”Ĭast members come and go, with some having more than 20 years of “Stomp” experience. There are changes for every performer who is learning to play with any object,” says Cruz.Ĭruz has played the characters Doctor Who and Mozzie. “The choices the characters make are different every night. At one point, he uses his body and hands and facial expressions to engage the audience, and people respond to it like a conversation.”Įach cast member has his or her own character. Says Cruz, “The main character is called Sarge. Some of the other past and present scenes are “Sinks,” “Plungers,” “Suspension” and “New & Improved Bins with Wobble Boards.”Įven in a large theater like the State, there is audience participation. “Poltergeist” features objects coming out of a TV screen and flying through the air. “Suitcases” was inspired by world travel, from people going through railway stations and airports, and baggage handlers moving luggage. Two new numbers have been added, “Suitcases” and “Poltergeist.” “Hands and Feet,” where clapping and stomping are combined, has also been there since the start. ![]() The first one, ‘Brooms,’ has been there from the beginning, and even that one has changed a bit.” In this scene, the brush-end of brooms is used to create shuffles, and the handles are beaten on the floor to create complex rhythm patterns. The show works with two sets, each transported in a full-sized semi-trailer, so one can be sent ahead to the next venue on the tour while a show is being presented.Ĭruz says are 13 scenes in the State Theatre show: “Every four years or so the producers add or subtract them. The urban-looking stage set is elaborate. Before each show, there is a rehearsal that lasts from 30 minutes to one hour. ![]() “Stomp” uses a cast of eight onstage, traveling with 12 members so some can take a break from the rigorous performances. It appeals to kids all the way up to mature viewers.” Rhythm is universal, and everyone loves music. It shows how music can be played with an everyday object. It is all based on rhythms, so they can connect with us. “There is no talking, so people from different countries can relate to it. Touring cast member Josh Cruz says in a phone interview that it is no surprise that “Stomp” is popular everywhere. There is plenty of dancing and feats of physical daring. In scene after scene, its cast beats out rhythm on a variety of objects, which might include brooms, Zippo lighters, garbage cans, plastic bags, newspapers, props recovered from junkyards, and their own bodies. 16 and 17, State Theatre for the Arts, Easton. It has been seen all over the world, changing itself little by little since it was first staged nearly 30 years ago. It’s described as a combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy. It’s a show with no dialogue and music with no instruments. ![]()
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